Meekness

by John Drain, Belfast | Category: General | Aug 1975

The history of God's dealings with the children of Israel in bringing them from Egypt and leading them to Canaan makes impressive reading. As we study the record we realize that the task undertaken was one of great magnitude, involving the profound personal and social problems which inevitably must arise for a vast number of persons who so suddenly were launched into a completely new environment. It is, therefore, remarkable that the person chosen to lead this mighty people in this stupendous migration was one of whom it could be testified, "Now the man Moses was very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth" (Num. 12:3).

Great was the task in God's purpose for the Israelites, but it was local and limited in scope. We think of the much bigger task of God's purposes affecting mankind. We consider the One into whose hands has been committed the execution of these purposes. He said, "All things have been delivered unto Me of My Father... I am meek and lowly in heart" (Matt. 11:27,29).

Moses was a great man. Our blessed Lord was infinitely great. The fact that in both Moses and Christ there was found the characteristic of

meekness invites careful attention. In some minds there is the false conception that in some way meekness indicates an inferiority which results in weakness. The truth is that the man who lacks meekness is seriously deficient in one of the main constituents of true strength, spiritual strength, the strength which God gives. A strong man is a meek man.

If our Lord Jesus Christ is meek then His disciples should be meek. He said, "Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek..." It is very clear that the person who is learning of Him will be meek.

What then is meekness? The word meek has several shades of meaning. It means subject (in spiritual experience subject to the authority and will of God), mild, gentle, soft, yielding, not given to complain. Only a strong man can manifest these virtues.

In his epistles the apostle Paul laid a heavy emphasis on the importance of meekness. To Timothy he wrote, "But thou, 0 man of God follow after ... meekness" (1 Tim. 6:11). There is perhaps no designation which can be given to a human being on earth that is more honourable than "man of God". In the character of a man of God meekness will be prominent.

Writing to the Colossians Paul uses different imagery when he exhorts, "Put on therefore... meekness". Those who have put off the old man with his doings have put on the new man. The new man will display meekness. It will be seen as part of his spiritual apparel.

Then to the Galatians Paul wrote, "The fruit of the Spirit is... meekness". If in the believer the gracious activity of the Spirit is not hindered He will produce delightful fruit to God's glory. A precious part of that fruit is meekness.

We see, therefore, that there is presented to the disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ the desirability of meekness being before him as an objective, on him as a distinguishing part of his spiritual clothing, and in him, springing up in the creative power of the divine Spirit.

The importance of meekness is seen in many activities in which we engage. We see it in the serious work of correcting others. When giving instructions to Timothy Paul indicated that Timothy would have to deal with persons who in opinion and attitude were opposed to the will of God. In seeking to help, Timothy would have to be gentle. "In meekness correcting them that oppose themselves" (2 Tim. 2:25). Such persons are described as being in the snare of the devil. It is God's prerogative to give repentance. It should never be presumed that repentance will always be granted. The gracious recovery work of God in a sinning one can be encouraged by the Lord's servant, but the approach, without sacrificing the claims of divine truth, should be gentle and mild. It should exhibit "the meekness and gentleness of Christ". It may be that the person taken captive by Satan may return to soberness, recovered unto the will of God. Similar teaching is found in the epistle to the Galatians. A man may be overtaken in a trespass. He is not to be ignored or abandoned. If his fellows are spiritually minded they will not be publicizing the failure. They will be seeking the restoration of the erring one, but they will do it in a spirit of meekness. They will be deeply affected by the knowledge that, if placed in the same circumstances of trial and seduction as was the one who was overtaken, they themselves might fall. Such corrective and restorative activity in no way removes the necessity which may arise to deal with an erring one in judgement which involves excommunication.

If correction should be given in meekness it should also be received in meekness. Said James, "receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls". Softened hearts and yielding spirits will enable us to receive the correcting and saving power and influence of the implanted word. Subjection to God means subjection to His word. It is regrettable that we so often lose the benefit of godly correction because we lack the meekness to accept it.

The Christian should sanctify in his heart Christ as Lord. The authority of the Lord will determine attitudes and actions which for purposes of testimony may require explanation. Why do we do certain things? Why do we abstain from certain other activities? The motive and manner of our attitude to life may have to be defined at times, and the disciple of the Lord Jesus should be able in personal testimony to give a reason for the hope that is in him. This must be done "with meekness and fear" (1 Pet. 3:15). A Christian's protestation of loyalty to the Lord may be greatly weakened in its effectiveness because of obvious pride and brag.

In the opening chapters of his epistle to the Ephesians Paul gives a masterly exposition of purposes of God which, in their fulfilment in those who believe in Christ, include what the apostle describes as "the calling wherewith ye were called" (Eph. 4:1). Of this calling disciples are to walk worthily. A full analysis of the scope of this exhortation establishes that disciples should be linked in testimony, united in agreement with the one faith, which is the revelation of the divine will to be believed, acknowledged and practised by those who know Christ as Saviour and Lord. This involves communal life and collective responsibilities. It is relatively more easy for a person to be an individualist than to be joined with others in confessed common loyalty to accepted principles. If we, as disciples of the Lord, are to live and serve together in a manner which will be worthy of the calling wherewith we have been called it will have to be "with all lowliness and meekness (Eph. 4:2). Subjection to one another in the fear of Christ, and tenderness of attitude to fellow-disciples will contribute greatly to worthiness of personal and collective walk.

Disciples of Christ inevitably come into contact with men and women in the world of human affairs. This contact will be in varying relationships and activities, and it will raise many problems. What should be the attitude of the disciple in this general situation? The apostle Paul succinctly gives us an answer. "Put them in mind to be in subjection to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready unto every good work, to speak evil of no man, not to be contentious, to be gentle, shewing all meekness toward all men (Titus 3:1,2). Provocation may come to us. We may be misunderstood, misrepresented. Unscrupulous people may take advantage of us. Meekness may be severely tested but its manifestation must triumph for those who are exercised to do that which is right in the eyes of the Lord.

The encouraging promise stands, "The meek will He guide in judgement: and the meek will He teach His way" (Psa. 25:9).

John Drain, Belfast | Aug 1975
General